Library FAQ
Which funding bodies and schemes are eligible for the Fast Track in 2024?
In 2024 eligible are EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition projects managed by the Agency; relevant schemes managed by EIT KICs as identified by each KIC; funding schemes for SMEs under Eurostars-2 and the Partnership on Innovative SMEs managed by Eureka and natio...
How are reporting and payments arranged, including pre-financing and deductions?
Reporting and payment arrangements are set in the grant agreement. Normally pre-financing equals 160% of the average EU funding per reporting period (less for single-period actions). At pre-financing, 5–8% of the maximum grant is deducted to the mutual insuran...
How are the project starting date and duration determined?
They are fixed in the grant agreement (Data Sheet). Normally the starting date is after the grant is signed; a retroactive start may exceptionally be granted for duly justified reasons. Project duration is provided in months and extensions are possible only ex...
How can a consortium request an evaluation review and what are the limits?
The coordinator can submit a request relating only to procedural aspects within 30 days after accessing the evaluation results; the request may be up to 7,000 characters. Notifications not opened within 10 days after sending are considered accessed.
How flexible are the published budgets in the calls and topics?
Budgets are indicative; final budgets may change following evaluation and may vary by up to 20% compared to the total budget indicated in each individual part of the work programme without being considered substantial under Article 110(5).
How is the designation regarding Palestine treated in the Work Programme?
The designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States.
Is the United Kingdom associated to Horizon Europe and are there exceptions?
The United Kingdom is associated to the entire Horizon Europe Programme except for the investment component of the EIC Accelerator managed by the EIC Fund for award procedures implementing the Union budget for 2024 onward.
What budget categories and cost eligibility rules apply?
Budget categories include actual costs (personnel, subcontracting, purchase, financial support to third parties), unit costs (personnel unit costs, SME owners, average personnel costs, internally invoiced goods/services, specific unit costs), a flat-rate for i...
What can the evaluation review committee recommend?
It may provide an opinion on procedural aspects and recommend either a re-evaluation (primarily by evaluators not involved previously) or confirmation of the initial evaluation.
What does the Work Programme say about the designation of Kosovo?
The designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
What happens during grant preparation?
Applicants prepare the grant agreement with the Agency project officer; the agreement defines the framework, deliverables, reporting, payments, and other terms. The applicable model text is available on the topic page and in call documentation.
What happens if a project generates a profit or there is non-compliance?
Any profit (surplus of revenues plus EU grant over costs) will be deducted from the final grant amount. The final grant may also be reduced in case of non-compliance such as improper implementation or breach of obligations.
What is the Fast Track scheme for the EIC Accelerator and who is eligible in 2026?
The Fast Track scheme allows projects from existing Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 projects to be reviewed by a responsible granting authority or national funding body (using award criteria equivalent to the EIC short stage and an independent review within the...
What is the form of grant and the main funding rates under Horizon Europe?
Grant parameters are fixed in the grant agreement. For Horizon Europe funding rates: Research and Innovation Action 100%; Innovation Action 70% (100% for non-profit legal entities); Coordination and Support Action 100%; Innovation and Market Deployment 70% (10...
What is the indicative timetable for evaluation results and grant signature?
Information on the outcome of the evaluation is around 5 months from the submission deadline; indicative date for signing grant agreements is around 8 months from the submission deadline, unless otherwise stated in specific call/topic conditions.
What is the liability regime for recoveries?
Liability follows individual financial responsibility: each beneficiary is liable only for their own debt and those of affiliated entities, if any.
What is the STEP Seal and when may a project receive it?
If foreseen in specific call/topic conditions, positively assessed proposals that meet minimum quality requirements and contribute to STEP objectives may be awarded a STEP Seal; project information may be displayed in the STEP Portal upon agreement to enhance...
What special provisions apply in case of a public emergency regarding exploitation and open science?
If requested by the Agency, beneficiaries may have to grant non-exclusive licences to results for a limited period and on fair and reasonable conditions to entities needing them to address the public emergency; this can apply up to 4 years after the action. Fo...
When are certificates on financial statements required?
Depending on the grant size and beneficiary type, beneficiaries may be required to submit a certificate on the financial statements; the thresholds are fixed in the grant agreement (Data Sheet and Article 24).
Where can I find an up-to-date list of Horizon Europe participating countries and low- and middle-income countries?
See the Horizon Europe List of Participating Countries on the Portal (the Work Programme provides the Portal link for up-to-date information).
Are energy vectors based on electrification and hydrogen in scope?
No. Energy vectors based on electrification and hydrogen fall outside the scope of this Challenge call but can be supported through the Open calls. Digital tools for charging and capacity management are in scope.
Are grants available under the STEP Scale Up call?
No. Support is provided as equity-only investments managed by the EIC Fund; applicants will not receive a grant component.
How do you apply and what documents are required for STEP Scale Up?
Apply anytime via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. The proposal includes a full business plan (max 50 pages), a pitch deck (max 15 pages), a pre-commitment from a qualified investor, an ownership control declaration, and interviews with an EIC Jury.
What are Business Acceleration Services (BAS) and what do they provide?
BAS are tailored services for EIC Awardees providing business coaching, advice, networking to find partners and co-investors, access to testing/scaleup facilities, and other support procured via the EIC Service Catalogue to help bring innovations to market and...